German B2 is the fourth level of the **CEFR** scale (the Common European Framework of Reference) — the upper-intermediate, independent stage. This page collects free, CEFR-aligned German B2 vocabulary word lists. Every set comes with native-speaker audio, IPA transcription, and translations in five languages.
What B2 German vocabulary covers
B2 is about precision. You understand more complex texts, speak fluently and spontaneously, and express yourself clearly and in detail. The focus is on fixed combinations — verbs, nouns, and adjectives with a fixed preposition (e.g. *sich verlassen auf*, *die Nachfrage nach*) — and on formal and specialised vocabulary.
How much you need at B2
Unlike A1–B1, the Goethe-Zertifikat B2 has no fixed official word list. What matters is not a number but mastery of collocations, verb government (which preposition goes with which word), and formal registers. Cefra groups these combinations into focused sets so you learn them as whole units.
Study order
1. **Verbs, nouns & adjectives with prepositions (A–Z)** — build verb government systematically.
2. **Specialised and formal language** — e.g. legal and economic terms.
Work through the preposition groups in order — they are the core of accurate, natural B2 German.
How to use these sets
Open a set, listen to the native audio, and check the IPA. Always learn fixed combinations as a whole unit, not word by word. Spaced repetition schedules your reviews automatically.
Start with these sets
These are real, published German B2 sets. Pick a theme and begin.
Frequently asked questions
- What is CEFR B2 level?
- CEFR B2 is upper-intermediate, independent use. You understand complex texts, can interact fluently and spontaneously, and present a wide range of topics clearly and in detail.
- How many words do I need for German B2?
- Unlike A1–B1, the Goethe-Zertifikat B2 has no fixed official word list. More important than a number are collocations, correct verb government, and formal registers.
- Why do prepositions matter so much with verbs?
- Many German verbs, nouns, and adjectives require a specific preposition (e.g. *warten auf*, *stolz auf*). Learning these combinations as a unit is the key to accurate, natural expression at B2.
- How long does it take to reach B2?
- From B1, most learners reach B2 in about six to twelve months with regular practice. At this level, a lot of contact with real, nuanced German matters most.